The purpose of this agenda item is to receive the Commission’s recommendation on a proposed City-initiated rezoning from Standard Single-Family Residential (R-1) or General Industrial (M-2) to The Hill Area Residential (HR-1) for approximately 9.7 acres located (Area 1) on the north side of Lakeview Drive, between Wood Street and drainage parcel R157753; and (Area 2) on the south side of First Street between Main Street and Wood Street (Lonnie Green Park). (see attached map)
Background
In 2018 based on feedback from the Hill community, the City initiated a project to engage The Hill residents and property owners in evaluating whether there is a desire to maintain the character of The Hill neighborhood. After a public engagement process in Phase I, The Hill Neighborhood Steering Committee drafted a vision and set of initial recommendations to be implemented in Phase II, which is currently underway. From the list of recommendations, staff identified immediate implementation items for Phase II. This includes rezoning properties to The Hill Area Residential Zoning District (HR-1), and Development Code changes for The Hill Area Residential (HR-1) zoning district related to front yard setbacks (porches) and garages. Proposed Development Code changes will be presented to the Commission on a different agenda item during the same meeting.
The Planning and Zoning Commission held a workshop on March 10, which served as an introduction to The Hill Community Engagement strategic project. During the workshop, staff reviewed the purpose of the project, existing conditions in the area, and the result of Phase I public engagement process. Staff also shared the Commission’s role in the project and the next steps. Overall, the Commission only had clarifying questions related to the presented information.
Public Hearing - May 28, 2020
This case came before the Planning and Zoning Commission on May 28, 2020 for a public hearing, discussion and direction. Staff provided an overview of the properties considered for rezoning and provided background information related to The Hill Community Engagement project. The proposed rezoning is a result of public input heard during Phase I of the project. The properties considered for rezoning consist of 38 single-family lots east of Wood Street and north of Lakeview Drive and City-owned Lonnie Green Park. The single-family lots are currently zoned R-1. During Phase I of The Hill Community Engagement project, staff heard positive feedback from the Hill neighborhood, including property owners in Area 1, to rezone these properties into The Hill Area Residential (HR-1) zoning district. The homes are also very similar in character. Lonnie Green Park is a City-owned park and currently zoned General Industrial (M-2). Although rezoning the park was not discussed during the community engagement process, staff recommends rezoning to HR-1 to be consistent with adjacent residential land uses. During the public hearing, the Office of the City Secretary read into the record two online comments in support of the rezoning.
After closing the public hearing, the Commission held discussion and direction and had a number of clarifying questions. Questions were related to the impacts of rezoning Lonnie Green Park to HR-1 if the City were to sell the park. Staff clarified the City has no intention of selling Lonnie Green Park and that it will remain a City-owned park. Staff also clarified that the physical constraints of the property would not allow for any development. The Commission also inquired about City property’s exemption from zoning and development regulations. Staff clarified that although the City is exempt from zoning, all City property is zoned. In this case, Lonnie Green Park is zoned General Industrial (M-2) and is incompatible with adjacent residential uses. Rezoning the park to HR-1 is compatible with adjacent uses and consistent with the Future Land Use Map.
This item is before the Planning and Zoning Commission for consideration and action.